Autonomous Vehicle Operator Identification for Usage-Based Risk Pricing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current insurance premium determination methods for vehicles do not account for the use of autonomous vehicle operating features, leading to inadequate risk assessment and pricing for vehicles equipped with such technology.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for identifying and monitoring vehicle operators in autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicles, which determines their authorization to operate the vehicle and assesses risk levels based on their usage of autonomous features, allowing for dynamic adjustment of insurance policies and premiums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional insurance premium determination methods are used for autonomous vehicles, then the pricing process is simple and quick, but the risk assessment is inadequate and does not reflect actual usage patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously collects data from sensors monitoring vehicle operation, autonomous feature usage, and operator behavior. This data feeds back to dynamically adjust risk assessments and premium determinations, enabling accurate measurement of actual usage patterns while maintaining automated processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A computer system acts as an intermediary between the vehicle operators and the insurance provider. This intermediary automatically collects operator identification data, monitors autonomous feature usage, communicates with the insurance provider, and facilitates dynamic premium adjustments without requiring complex manual intervention from either party
2Reliability
If operator identification and monitoring systems are implemented, then risk assessment accuracy improves, but the system complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The computer system in the autonomous vehicle performs multiple functions: it manages autonomous vehicle operation, collects operator identification information, monitors autonomous feature usage, and communicates with insurance providers. By consolidating these functions into an existing universal system, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated hardware while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs operator identification, data collection, and communication with insurance providers without requiring manual intervention. The autonomous vehicle's existing sensors and computer systems self-service the data collection and transmission functions, reducing implementation complexity while enhancing reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, with the customer's permission, a vehicle operator in an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be determined by a sensor disposed within the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle or a mobile computing device associated with the vehicle operator. A determination may be made as to whether the vehicle operator is authorized to operate the vehicle based upon the determined identity of the vehicle operator; and if the vehicle operator is not authorized, an alert may be generated and/or the vehicle may be caused to not operate. Alternatively, autonomous operation features may be automatically engaged to automatically drive the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle to a safe location when the operator is not authorized. Insurance discounts may be provided based upon the anti-theft functionality.